Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Mr. Shidler’s Question

So, as you can see, I’ve spent most of my lifetime pursuing the issue posed in Mr. Shidler’s classroom back in Indiana: What is success? It was a question that my father had already begun to answer for me with his wisdom on our little farm.

What is success? How do you achieve it? Who has it? These questions really go to what life is all about.

I do believe this: A man or woman who strives conscientiously to become the best that he or she is capable of becoming can stand tall on Judgment Day. That person will be judged a big success regardless of whether he or she has accumulated riches, glory, or trophies.

The values, ideals, and principles of the Pyramid of Success are the qualities that I believe will allow you to stand ...